John Spears, of Lynbrook, charged in assault of PSEG engineer in East Rockaway, police say

A Lynbrook man was charged with assault Saturday after attacking a PSEG engineer who was working in East Rockaway, Nassau police said.

The 61-year-old engineer was investigating hazardous materials on Atlantic Avenue near Marina Pointe Drive when John Spears, 33, "confronted" him and began arguing with him, according to a Nassau police news release. Spears "struck the victim repeatedly causing his glasses to fall and break," police said.

The victim called 911 and Spears was arrested "without incident," but when he was taken to a hospital for evaluation, "the defendant became aggressive" and "repeatedly kicked the wall, causing extensive damage," police said.

The victim reported pain in his hand and wrist but declined medical attention, according to the release.

"PSEG Long Island was alarmed to learn that our employee was assaulted yesterday morning," said Elizabeth Flagler, a spokesperson for the utility. "The safety of our employees and customers is our number one priority.”

Spears was charged with second-degree assault, criminal mischief and menacing. He was scheduled to be arraigned Sunday in First District Court in Hempstead.

Check back for updates on this developing story.